,,The thought must always be directed toward God and toward divine things. Everything that contradicts these rules, no matter how great it may be, must nevertheless be considered of secondary importance, if not even of little significance and harmful.
This idea is embodied very well by the Gospel about Martha and Mary: Martha performs a holy service, as one who was serving the Lord and His disciples, while Mary, who had dedicated herself to the teaching of Jesus, sitting at His feet... was more appreciated by the Lord, because she had chosen the best part, which no one could take away from her...
See then that the Lord considered that the highest good is prayer or divine contemplation, since we see that all other virtues should be put in a secondary place, although we admit that they are necessary, useful, and very good, because they are done for the sake of this single thing. He considered as the highest good not the practical part, no matter how laudable and full of fruit it might be, but divine contemplation, which indeed is simple and unique; saying that few things are necessary for full happiness... When He says: Mary has chosen the good part, although He remains silent about Martha and does not seem to rebuke her, by praising the former, it follows that He considers the latter inferior.
Also, when He says: which shall not be taken away from her, He shows that Martha's part could be taken away (for bodily help cannot remain permanently with man), but He teaches us that the service of the former can never end. According to her way of being, Martha prepared a generous meal, although a simple one would have been enough. Our Savior was more interested in food for the soul than in food for the body. Martha, however, becomes troubled and distracted. Perhaps the visit was unexpected, and the guests too many?
Nevertheless, Jesus speaks to Martha gently, with a nuance of pity, saying that she is excessively busy. Jesus did not condemn Martha's work, nor did he speak pejoratively about housekeeping and hospitality, but He noted her excessive attention to material preparation, because this: 1. troubled her peace of mind; 2. led to criticism of Jesus and her sister; 3. deprived her of the benefit of receiving the Lord's teaching. He passes easily and quickly from natural things to spiritual things. Choosing the good part, Mary could neither be blamed nor could the benefit obtained be taken away from her. Thus, He could not agree with Martha's request that Mary take part in an inferior calling."
The Great Synaxarion of the month of June, doxologia .ro
Pick a Card: Are you aligned with your highest good?
This week’s free reading topic is: Are you aligned with your highest good?
We are asking the cards:
Yes, No, Almost
2.a If yes, what are you doing well?
2.b If no, what is blocking you?
2.c If maybe, what can you do to get closer?
3. If you continue on your current path, what can you expect?
4. Possible upcoming interference
5. Final messages from your guides
If this reading resonates, please like or reblog and tag your group! Tipping options are available on my etsy: $1 and $5 options
Group 1:
Yes, No, Almost – Seven of Swords
At this time, it does not seem that you are aligned with your highest good. You are running away from something. You are trying to take the short cut to get where you want to go, but these short cuts don’t actually lead you there. You are letting yourself be tricked into following this path because you’re convinced it’s easier. But, that doesn't mean it’s the best for you. (PS, none of this reading comes from a place of judgement for me as your reader).
What is blocking you? – The Sun
I want to say “your mindset is the clouds that block the sun from shining”. Whatever it is that scares you about moving forward creeps out whenever the merest bit of sun comes out to tell you that you’re doing all the right things. Then you revert back because taking the leap is scary and feel too hard. The Sun card does remind me of youth and having fun, so there may be a part of life that you’re being urged to take more seriously. While the universe does have your back, you can’t be a passive player in your own life. You absolutely deserve to have fun, but if you want to be on the right trajectory your visions of your personal power need to grow.
What can you expect if you continue? – Nine of Pentacles rev.
I can see your self-esteem taking a hit if you continue the path this way. Eventually, you’ll start realizing that you needed to be making changes sooner rather than later and you’ll feel some self-guilt. You’ll go through this reflective period where you look back on the times you knew you needed to change or act differently, but you just didn’t. Unfortunately, this is going to just add fuel to the fire and at some point, you might think “what does it matter if I’m already this far gone.” There is always time to find your best life, pile 1.
Possible interference – Ace of Pentacles
Something that may get in the way of making these changes & getting back on track could be materialistic manifestations. Along the way, you’re going to want to fill your life with material things that “you’ve always wanted” or that fill you with excitement at the time, but will not ultimately bring you peace. These are just things that are filling the void. When new and exciting opportunities present themselves to you, take time before making any decisions. Figure out if these things are going to provide long term progression for you or if they are only going to make you feel good for a short period of time. Investments are worth it, trinkets are roadblocks.
Final messages – Page of Wands & Ten of Swords rev.
Your guides see your limitless potential, group 1. All of your excitement and fun energy that may get the best of you are still some of the best parts of you! You just have to channel it differently. Create some plans maybe or test the waters before you decide to fully commit to something. Directly from the guidebook “The page of wands can appear when a spiritual path may be calling you.” Your guides want you to know it’s not too late to make changes and re-invest in yourself. They are here to remind you that, even if you don’t know what the reasons are, that everything happens for a reason and even though changes are scary, you will see their purpose(s) soon.
Group 2:
Yes, No, Almost – Ace of Swords rev.
With this, I think you’re almost on the path but you don’t feel ready to decide which way to take. You may have been having some “it’s too good to be true” feelings lately and so you’re hesitant because you don’t want to end up feeling like you got played.
If almost, what can you do to get closer? – The Devil rev.
Oh yeah, this card absolutely reflects the above notion of being nervous/afraid to take the next step. There are self-limiting beliefs from your past that need to be confronted. Do some shadow work and reflection on deep feelings. I know journalling isn’t for everyone, but just start writing. You don’t have to write for the purpose of immediate reflection, but reflection can occur once you start writing. Try finding a way to integrate your shadows into your life more constructively. For example, “I failed at this thing because I suck” can become “I think I suck because I failed at something previous in life, but everyone fails at some point. This is just a part of life.” You’re not eliminating the feeling that you’re having, but you have the understanding that why it’s presenting itself. Lastly, if there is anything you feel shame about that is preventing you from moving forward, find an outlet to reduce that shame. Reflect on that and, just like the shadow feelings above, determine if it is a capital T Truth about yourself or if it is just a part of your life and it doesn’t actually define who you are.
What can you expect if you continue? – Four of Swords
In this particular reading, I think that continuing to ruminate on the feelings that are holding you back is going to put you into a state of stagnation. I don’t necessarily think you’ll move backward, but you’re not going to move forward either. You may get more in your head by convincing yourself this is where you want to be and so you might end up settling for something that isn’t good enough for you.
Possible interference – The Tower
Confronting your shadow self might slow down the process, BUT it is a necessary step, so I don’t think it’s necessarily a set back but more of a detour. Sometimes we have to break down structures to their foundations in order to build them up stronger. I think this card presented itself to let you know that you might begin feeling like you’re falling behind and so it’s going to feel like interference. You’re going to wonder if you’re doing the right thing. After tower moments, though, we come back stronger than ever.
Final messages – Knight of Wands
Your guides want you to reignite your passion for life! Instead of continually focusing on the big picture, focus on the small things that make you happy. There are things in your life that feel just right. Lean into those! Once you start meeting goals, you’re going to see how unstoppable you are. This is going to help you along with your shadow work and will make that feel a little less daunting, too. You may feel like your passions are silly, because other people think so, but if they bring YOU joy, it doesn’t matter what those people think. You will find people that share your energy. That’s when you’ll know you’re on the path.
Group 3:
Yes, No, Almost – The Emperor rev.
This pile was teetering between no and almost. You may have been interested in group one, but came this way instead. I think the reason for it being “almost” instead of “no” (as group 1 is) that you know what you need to do, you just don’t feel like it. Whereas, group 1 knows what they need to do but they do different things instead. You aren’t necessarily reverting backwards, but you’re also not moving forward.
If almost, what can you do to get closer? – The Magician rev. & the Eight of Wands
Maximize your potential, group 3, and take that action! You know what you have to do and nothing is going to happen until you do it. It could help you to determine specific goals and manifestations. This may help you feel more successful along the way, encouraging you to keep the momentum up. Maybe by creating, and reaching, the smaller goals you’ll start seeing the evidence you’re waiting for – that change IS possible.
What can you expect if you continue? – The Star rev.
If you continue to keep yourself in this rut, you’re going to start losing faith. It will turn from feeling like you have the power to do it if you just DO to feeling like there’s no point because “it won’t happen anyway”. It’s almost a self-fulling prophecy in this case. You may become disconnected from your goals and you’ll start to settle for less than you’re worth.
Possible interference – King of Pentacles rev.
One of the keywords for this card is literally “stubborn” which is the exact feeling I have when determining “almost” above. Your stubbornness is your biggest enemy right now. There is no shame in admitting that you are stubborn. Growth is a good thing!! You’re allowed to do things you said you wouldn’t or didn’t want to. You get more information every day that consequently adjusts your expectations. “Succumbing” to those does not make you weak or silly.
Final messages – The Hierophant
Your guides want to leave you with the understanding that, no matter what, they’ll still by your side. Remember to lean on them when you’re struggling making these changes and taking plunges. Listen to your intuition and do things even when they’re scary. If you’re afraid of following in someone’s footsteps and do not want to, this message is to tell you that you are not that person and if you stick to your core beliefs, you won’t turn out like them.
Group 4:
Yes, No, Almost – Six of Swords rev.
Yes, stop resisting it 😉 Overall, I really sense that you’re on the right track but something is holding you back from believing that it’s the right track. Maybe it’s the fear of the unknown or past traumas, but there is something about the journey that you’re resisting. I can tell you KNOW you’re on the right path but maybe, like group 2, it feels too good to be true so you don’t want to invest. It’s okay to invest!
If yes, what are you doing well? – King of Cups rev. & Queen of Pentacles
You’re doing a really good job being kind to yourself. When you get in the doubtful moods, I think you have a way of bringing yourself back to reality and looking at your situation practically. You’re working your butt off to genuinely take care of yourself and your mind. Something I noticed with the cards is a lot of green, which can relate to the heart chakra. I definitely think you’re working from the heart and treating yourself with the love that you deserve.
What can you expect if you continue? – The Empress & The High Priestess
This is such beautiful energy! Continuing to do this work, picking yourself up when you’re down, giving yourself pep talks, and simply believing in the divine is truly going to build your confidence, self-esteem, and belief in yourself and your intuition. You are really getting to know yourself. You are getting to know your true goals, your true values, and your true motivations.
Possible interference – Ace of Swords
The only real interference I see here is your mind becoming overwhelmed with all of the new possibilities that are going to appear. Your mind may feel cluttered with options which has the possibility of making you feel overloaded. Just take a step back, meditate on the options, and make informed decisions. You’ve shown that you are capable of this, so keep it up.
Final messages – Ace of Coins rev.
Don’t give up! Finding your way is tough when the unknown is hovering over you. You may hit delays in your journey that will make you want to just lay down your swords (pun sort of intended with the ace of swords above lol) and surrender. It is okay to take time to plan and to fully understand what your goals are. It’s also okay if you don’t know what those goals are right now! Your goal can simply be living in the now. Continue to be practical and nurturing and you’ll be a-ok.
My desires are divinely guided and aligned with the highest good for both myself and the Universe. I possess the power to fulfill my desires. I am well supported by the divine.
sorry I haven’t been on at all lately.. I’ve been having a rough time, currently waiting for the universe to work in my favor & align with my highest good. hope the same for you all. bless be 🥺❤️ (I could possibly have great news later this week though so stay tuned)
So I've been a-ponderin' something and was only reminded of it tonight by the oracle deck I'm working with (it's...meh at best, it's basically every New Age pseudo-Wiccan love and light stuff, but I got it secondhand and the art is pretty) - but what's the deal with this "highest good" type shit? Is it just repackaged Christianity without expressly saying God like most New Age trends are? I figured I'd ask you since you're well-versed in where New Age ideas come from.
~fellow wizard, Jasper of @jasper-pagan-witch
I'm not really sure right now. So far, I've mostly seen it in spells as a kind of safety mechanism to keep things from backfiring in unforeseen ways. I also can't recall seeing any New Agers talking about it. Apparently, it might come from reiki?
